A design inspired by the landscape of New Zealand’s South Island has been developed for the new convention centre in Christchurch.

A call for tenders from a shortlist of contractors has now been issued and the main works contractor is expected to be appointed around July.

The Christchurch Convention Centre will be capable of hosting up to 2,000 delegates for a variety of national and international events. It will include a 1,400-delegate auditorium, a 3,600m2 exhibition hall and 1,600m2 of meeting rooms. Architect Woods Bagot has worked on the design with Matapopore Charitable Trust.

The scheme is being delivered by Ōtākaro, which is delivering Crown-led anchor projects in the centre of the city as part of the redevelopment following the 2011 earthquake.

“We want to create an attractive facility for Christchurch, that draws people towards the Centre and its associated cafes and shops,” said Ōtākaro chief executive Albert Brantley. “The ‘River Walk’ on the south side will take people from Cathedral Square, through the Centre precinct to the restored Victoria Square and the enhanced waterfront of the Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct.”

Estimates put the direct economic benefit of the Convention Centre to the Canterbury region at NZ$300m to NZ$400m in its first eight years of operation, he added.